Real Estate Solicitor

BCL Private Practice; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is seeking a Real Estate Solicitor to join their national team, focusing on ecclesiastical property and charity law. The role involves advising on property transactions, supporting clients with legal processes, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal for solicitors with 1-4 years' PQE who want to engage in meaningful property work in a supportive environment. Hybrid working options and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Career development and mentoring

Qualifications

• 1-4 years PQE in commercial property or charity real estate.
• Experience with ecclesiastical or charity law is a plus.
• Ability to advise various stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Advising on sales, leases, and developments of church properties.
• Supporting parishes with legal approvals and petitions.
• Liaising with clergy and charity trustees.

Skills

Commercial property experience

Charity law understanding

Ecclesiastical law knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Client-focused approach

Education

UK qualified solicitor

Job description

Real Estate Solicitor | London

This is a rare opportunity for a real estate solicitor to work with a well-regarded national team that acts for Church of England dioceses, Roman Catholic institutions, and other faith-based and charitable bodies. You'll be involved in everything from property transactions and church land matters to statutory permissions and school site issues with the chance to build genuine sector expertise in a fascinating, highly specialist field.

Based in the firm's London office, you'll be working closely with a senior partner in the Church and Charity Property team, focusing on the transactional and advisory aspects of real estate work involving ecclesiastical property. The role will involve handling sales, acquisitions, lettings, and development issues related to church land, as well as supporting clients with faculty petitions and proceedings in the Consistory Court.

This position offers a meaningful and intellectually stimulating caseload, with the opportunity to develop a niche specialism in an area of law not often practised elsewhere, all while working in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

The Role:

- Advising on the sale, purchase, lease and development of Church of England and Roman Catholic Church property.
- Supporting parishes with statutory approvals, faculty petitions and Consistory Court applications.
- Providing legal guidance on diocesan church school land issues, including reverter clauses and trust matters.
- Working with a broad range of ecclesiastical and charitable clients on real estate transactions and governance issues.
- Liaising with clergy, parish representatives, charity trustees and statutory bodies.
- Supporting the wider ecclesiastical and real estate team on collaborative matters.

Candidate Requirements:

- UK qualified solicitor with 1-4 PQE and a solid grounding in commercial property or charity real estate work. More senior candidates are also encouraged to apply.
- Experience in real estate transactions (commercial, residential, or mixed-use).
- An interest in, or some experience of, charity law, ecclesiastical law or faith-based organisations.
- A good working knowledge of (or willingness to learn about) the Church of England's legal and governance framework.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to advise a wide range of stakeholders.
- A thoughtful, client-focused approach and a genuine interest in developing expertise in a highly specialist field.

This role is ideal for a solicitor who enjoys technically interesting property work with a social purpose and wants to contribute to a team with a strong vocational ethos.

The Opportunity:

- Work as part of the UK's leading ecclesiastical law practice.
- Join a highly respected, full-service firm with a national reputation in charity, faith and real estate law.
- Engage in work that is intellectually rewarding and socially meaningful.
- Supportive, collaborative team culture with mentoring and career development.
- Hybrid working and flexible arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Looking for a career that combines legal expertise with purpose and impact? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.